A thermal drone roof inspection utilizes a radiometric thermal camera to evaluate a roof system and any solar panels that have been installed. This specialized camera can detect the relative differences in how a roof system or roofing material emits heat as well as the performance and overall condition of an installed rooftop solar array.

During warmer seasons, a compromised section of a roof that has become saturated with water will cool more slowly compared to the surrounding roof surface. This is because water absorbs and releases heat at a different rate than the adjacent roof areas. This difference in relative cooling allows the identification of potential problem spots that may be water-logged.

Conversely, in cooler seasons when there is a significant temperature difference between the interior and exterior of the building infrared inspection can detect potential issues in the roof system even without the presence of water. Compromised roof structures may exhibit higher relative heat loss compared to the surrounding roof areas.